Hopper's
By M. Sebenoler
Live music, most notably the blues, has become a Portland trademark the last decade. Puddle City has an abundance of great talent, some of the best in the entire country and great talent breeds more talent. New bands and clubs appear on the scene every month and it's sometimes hard to keep up with all the changes going on in the music community.
Tammy Lester opened Hopper's Pub at 11121 S.E. Division about eight months ago and the club is gaining a fast reputation for it's live music. Main Squeeze host a Thursday night jam that's been pretty successful and you never know who is going to show up with the wide range of surprise guests the band draws.
Fridays and Saturdays always feature a band, not always the same both nights. The music theme is blues and classic rock. The pub has an open mic on Sundays and a wide array of new talent takes advantage of that. No cover charge or raised prices when the music starts makes Hopper's very affordable; and with overstuffed furniture and comfortable seating, the pub has a very homey atmosphere. The burgers are wonderful and a $1.99 dinner basket special is always offered during the week.
Guitar Julie and the Rumblers are one of the regular acts Hopper's features at least once a month and this quartet is a prime example of one of the newer acts in town that is starting to get attention. Guitar Julie (Julie Uomeni) has played and loved the blues since her teens. Jimmy Reed is her biggest influence. It's only the last couple of years that she's really gotten serious about playing in a band; and she fronts the Rumblers like a seasoned pro. Newest member Dan "Earlybird" Collins also helps front the band with his harp and vocal talents, while bassist Paul Delano and drummer Ron Wood supply the strong rhythm section.
The music is blues and R&B, songs by Etta James to Tina Turner. The Rumblers also play several originals written by Guitar Julie, including We Shore Go Good and It's Alright. The Rumblers plan on going into the studio soon to at least record a good demo tape, if not something more. Uomeni will be getting married this summer to Gas Hogs bassist Andy Strange and after honeymooning in Europe, will be back in town cooking her brand of the blues with the Rumblers. Check these guys out. They're a fun group to dance to.
The dance floor at Hopper's is adequate but there are plans to knock out the wall that adjoins the stage and expanding the pub greatly. By the look of things, owner Tammy Lester is going to need all the room she can get because this pub, with it's great food and live music like Guitar Julie and the Rumblers, is destined for success. Hopper's is located at S.E. 112th and Division.